The Ultimate In Dog Therapy

[minimax]

What's the next move if a puppy happens to bite one of these stressed future ''leaders''?

I'll wait for the "Puppy Adorably Mauls Student" headline.

"Student injured by visious tongue of licky puppy"

[mita]

Jerry, sounds like you need some therapy yourself?

Thought the same thing. And the poster has supplied his/her own diagnosis in his/her own words...'The mind boggles'.

Seriously Boggled Mind. :)

On a more positive note. I worked at a university that had a Vet School. I'd take our Sheltie to work in order to drop her there for any treatments. The walk across the campus would normally take 5 minutes. But, when I had Shelley with me, I'd get stopped again and again by country & international students. They would pat and cuddle her... & tell me about their own family dogs back home.

So I'd aim for a 15 minutes walk on those days!

I also read a comment about the military dogs on Australian bases in Afghanistan. It was said that these dogs also do something else, beside their 'war' work. They bring a sense of 'normalcy' in a highly stressful environment, far from home. Most of the soldiers have pet dogs at home. And the presence of these happy and well socialised dogs provide some 'therapy' that had never been intended.

[minimax]

Jerry, sounds like you need some therapy yourself?

Thought the same thing. And the poster has supplied his/her own diagnosis in his/her own words...'The mind boggles'.

Seriously Boggled Mind. :)

On a more positive note. I worked at a university that had a Vet School. I'd take our Sheltie to work in order to drop her there for any treatments. The walk across the campus would normally take 5 minutes. But, when I had Shelley with me, I'd get stopped again and again by country & international students. They would pat and cuddle her... & tell me about their own family dogs back home.

So I'd aim for a 15 minutes walk on those days!

I also read a comment about the military dogs on Australian bases in Afghanistan. It was said that these dogs also do something else, beside their 'war' work. They bring a sense of 'normalcy' in a highly stressful environment, far from home. Most of the soldiers have pet dogs at home. And the presence of these happy and well socialised dogs provide some 'therapy' that had never been intended.

Whenever I took my puppy to work when she was teeny tiny, I'd have the big grumpy beefy blokes rolling around with her on the floor, giggling like school girls and turning into big soft marshmallows. I had to go home and get her once when I didn't bring her in, because someone was having a really bad day and came in to see her but she wasn't here - he played around with her for a while and left feeling much better.

Nothing wrong with a bit of puppy therapy, whether it be at uni, school, the office, anywhere.

[jerry lee]

There should be two one way doors to the doggy cuddle room.

The entry from the campus....the exit to the street.

Edited December 3, 2012 by jerry lee

[mita]

There should be two one way doors to the doggy cuddle room.

The entry from the campus....the exit to the street.

Well, the first step would be entry TO the campus. Requires some basic science to qualify to get there.

The beneficial effects of dogs (& other animals) on human health (both mental & physical) has been measured in scientifically rigorous research.

One such is the Harvard Study of Adult Development which has been following the lives of a cohort of regular people since 1937 (over 70 years).

A significant finding was that 3 factors stuck out as 'gold coins' around happiness & well-being. Happy intimate relationship like a good marriage, having good friends and owning a dog. Across all the adult stages. It's not a case of touchy feely.... there are physiological benefits that follow.

Providing groups of people with access to animals, is not confined to dogs. Army groups have always had animal mascots. At Enoggera's Gallipoli Barracks, the mascot for the Transport Battalion is... a camel. For the Signallers... a rooster. Both of which are cherished & cared for, on base. The major battalion there has an Australian Cattle dog called Blue. All of those mascots are officially recognized. Blue has even got a promotion. I think he's now a corporal.

Edited December 3, 2012 by mita

[Kavik]

There should be two one way doors to the doggy cuddle room.

The entry from the campus....the exit to the street.

Well, the first step would be entry TO the campus. Requires some basic science to qualify to get there.

The beneficial effects of dogs (& other animals) on human health (both mental & physical) has been measured in scientifically rigorous research.

One such is the Harvard Study of Adult Development which has been following the lives of a cohort of regular people since 1937 (over 70 years).

A significant finding was that 3 factors stuck out as 'gold coins' around happiness & well-being. Happy intimate relationship like a good marriage, having good friends and owning a dog. Across all the adult stages. It's not a case of touchy feely.... there are physiological benefits that follow.

Providing groups of people with access to animals, is not confined to dogs. Army groups have always had animal mascots. At Enoggera's Gallipoli Barracks, the mascot for the Transport Battalion is... a camel. For the Signallers... a rooster. Both of which are cherished & cared for, on base. The major battalion there has an Australian Cattle dog called Blue. All of those mascots are officially recognized. Blue has even got a promotion. I think he's now a corporal.

This group researches the benefits of animals on human health, it is fascinating :)

http://www.anthrozoologyfoundation.org/

[jerry lee]

There should be two one way doors to the doggy cuddle room.

The entry from the campus....the exit to the street.

Well, the first step would be entry TO the campus. Requires some basic science to qualify to get there.

The beneficial effects of dogs (& other animals) on human health (both mental & physical) has been measured in scientifically rigorous research.

One such is the Harvard Study of Adult Development which has been following the lives of a cohort of regular people since 1937 (over 70 years).

A significant finding was that 3 factors stuck out as 'gold coins' around happiness & well-being. Happy intimate relationship like a good marriage, having good friends and owning a dog. Across all the adult stages. It's not a case of touchy feely.... there are physiological benefits that follow.

Providing groups of people with access to animals, is not confined to dogs. Army groups have always had animal mascots. At Enoggera's Gallipoli Barracks, the mascot for the Transport Battalion is... a camel. For the Signallers... a rooster. Both of which are cherished & cared for, on base. The major battalion there has an Australian Cattle dog called Blue. All of those mascots are officially recognized. Blue has even got a promotion. I think he's now a corporal.

Do the stressed out grunts get time off to canoodle with their camel?

How does the rooster feel about trembling signallers ruffling his feathers.?

How often would the average digger even get to see their ''mascot'' anyhow?

Only in the event of a ceremonial parade I'll wager & even then only if they are on parade

There is no need to waffle on about the benefits of animal interaction, especially dogs, that's a given here, this is dog specific site after all & it isn't what I talking about anyhow.

What, IMO, is ridiculous is.

Puppy cuddle breaks in a work place environment for the relief of stress?

Give me a break.

If one is so stressed out they can't cope, one should go home.

If every stressful occasion require a puppy cuddle there wouldn't be enough puppies to go around.

Bloody ridiculous.

Besides, I wouldn't even want a stressed out egghead near one of my dogs, let alone a puppy.

[megan_]

My workplace has massages for stress relief. I guess we're a bunch of wooses too?

[Kavik]

One of my friends recently went for a job interview at Google. He said the offices were AMAZING! and the amount of non-work stuff there for relaxation and to destress was unbelievable, including spaces for taking a nap, games rooms, family friendly dining. Are they wooses there too?

Here are some pictures

http://www.zdnet.com/photo-gallery-googleplex-in-sydney_p3-1139256655/

[noisymina]

I have one word for Jerry.

But I leave you all to guess what it might be. :D

Off to read some real world stuff!

[Ruin Maniac]

I think this is a great idea, though trained adult dogs would be preferable in my opinion. University studies, coupled with other common stress-inducing factors that coincide with them such as working, family commitments and (for many I know) needing to move once or twice each year as their rental homes are sold or on-campus housing becomes intolerable (the stories I could tell of my old college... excrement, urine and vomit in the stairwells - no lifts available, by the way, and five flights - and meat left on counters in common kitchens until they reek of death, kids smashing pumpkins and champagne bottles on the walls that frame your windows at 4 AM)... complete restructures of a department or a degree while you're midway through it don't help a student much either.

There are bright kids in my classes who struggle to pass. These same kids, I've noticed, don't employ healthy methods of dealing with their stress and anxiety (binge drinking being their preferred method). I did poorly in my first degree in another state as a result of doing nothing for my own wellbeing. I've maintained high distinctions in all but one unit since I've stopped to smell the roses now and then. Gives you an opportunity to rewind and "get back to the real world" with a level head and a positive approach. I'd rather have an employee engage in what may seem like silly activities now and then and perform well, than one that spends sleepless nights stressing about tasks and deadlines until they have a breakdown. :)

Edited December 3, 2012 by Ruin Maniac

[Plan B]

If one is so stressed out they can't cope, one should go home.

So, I don't get it.

You're berating people who get stressed and then telling them they should just go home if they're overwhelmed. Basically telling people to give up without trying, even when the odds aren't in their favor.

Surely that's the ridiculous part here? And not, in fact, the measures some take to lower stress levels? I'd hate to think how you treat people with clinical depression.

Besides, I wouldn't even want a stressed out egghead near one of my dogs, let alone a puppy.

What a strange little vendetta you have against people receiving any kind of help.

[jerry lee]

Can someone in W.A. pop a couple of puppies into the Oz dressing rooms at the W.A.C.A?

It's an emergency.

[jerry lee]

If one is so stressed out they can't cope, one should go home.

So, I don't get it.

You're berating people who get stressed and then telling them they should just go home if they're overwhelmed. Basically telling people to give up without trying, even when the odds aren't in their favor.

Surely that's the ridiculous part here? And not, in fact, the measures some take to lower stress levels? I'd hate to think how you treat people with clinical depression.

Besides, I wouldn't even want a stressed out egghead near one of my dogs, let alone a puppy.

What a strange little vendetta you have against people receiving any kind of help.

When you actually understand what I have said maybe you can try again.

[minimax]

If one is so stressed out they can't cope, one should go home.

So, I don't get it.

You're berating people who get stressed and then telling them they should just go home if they're overwhelmed. Basically telling people to give up without trying, even when the odds aren't in their favor.

Surely that's the ridiculous part here? And not, in fact, the measures some take to lower stress levels? I'd hate to think how you treat people with clinical depression.

Besides, I wouldn't even want a stressed out egghead near one of my dogs, let alone a puppy.

What a strange little vendetta you have against people receiving any kind of help.

When you actually understand what I have said maybe you can try again.

So what stress relief do you feel is appropriate? Excessive drinking? Drug taking? Or just pretending the feelings don't exist and surpressing them until they inappropriately boil over?

[jerry lee]

If one is so stressed out they can't cope, one should go home.

So, I don't get it.

You're berating people who get stressed and then telling them they should just go home if they're overwhelmed. Basically telling people to give up without trying, even when the odds aren't in their favor.

Surely that's the ridiculous part here? And not, in fact, the measures some take to lower stress levels? I'd hate to think how you treat people with clinical depression.

Besides, I wouldn't even want a stressed out egghead near one of my dogs, let alone a puppy.

What a strange little vendetta you have against people receiving any kind of help.

When you actually understand what I have said maybe you can try again.

So what stress relief do you feel is appropriate? Excessive drinking? Drug taking? Or just pretending the feelings don't exist and surpressing them until they inappropriately boil over?

I'm not berating anyone.

I'm saying a puppy play session as a ''cure'' for stress is a ridiculous concept, imo, conceived by people at odds with reality.

How much lasting relieve from "stress" would anyone actually get from playing with a puppy?

Why do you suggest everyone suffering from stress automatically turns to drink &/or illicit drugs?

Educated people would recognise the problem & seek professional help.

If they didn't, I'm certain their friends would notice & act in their best interests.

& I seriously doubt a professional would prescribe sessions of puppy play as solution.

Stress is a serious problem these days, it's not a sudden thing that will go away just as suddenly.

& this idea as a solution is seriously ridiculous.

That's my opinion.

If you don't agree, that's your opinion.

I don't have a problem with that.

If me or mine are ever genuinely stressed, I'll make an appointment to see a doctor.

If your or yours are ever genuinely stressed, you can make an appointment to see a puppy.

Is that a ridiculous suggestion?

Absolutely.

[corvus]

When I was at uni the first time I was living below the poverty line for most of it and all my friends and family were in another state. Sometimes even not-real life can be seriously trying. I sucked it up and got on with it, but kind of like a yabbie who's got so stressed they've dropped a few legs sucks it up and gets on with it. Listing to the side a bit. Benefiting from puppies to cuddle is not the same as being dependent on puppies to cuddle in order to cope with normal life. Universities like it when their students perform well, just as workplaces like it when their workers are productive. That's why animal therapy is allowed in these places. Not because it's necessary.

Incidentally, Freud was the first one to use dogs in therapy. He had a dog he brought to work because he found his patients were more open and relaxed when his dog was in the room. There's a growing body of literature on it, now. Dog assisted therapy is being applied all over the place with positive results. Both long-term and short-term.

Edited December 3, 2012 by corvus

[jerry lee]

When I was at uni the first time I was living below the poverty line for most of it and all my friends and family were in another state. Sometimes even not-real life can be seriously trying. I sucked it up and got on with it, but kind of like a yabbie who's got so stressed they've dropped a few legs sucks it up and gets on with it. Listing to the side a bit. Benefiting from puppies to cuddle is not the same as being dependent on puppies to cuddle in order to cope with normal life. Universities like it when their students perform well, just as workplaces like it when their workers are productive. That's why animal therapy is allowed in these places. Not because it's necessary.

AAP © Enlarge photo

A Canadian university has created a "puppy room" to help stressed students calm their nerves.

[minimax]

Actually, my psychiatric and psychologist both suggested I get a dog as part of my therapy - and they are used in therapeutic settings so you may mock it, but its not uncommon.

No ones claiming it "cures" anything, but heaven forbid people get some happiness out of something.

[Plan B]

Educated people would recognise the problem & seek professional help.

That's a bit at odds with your previous recommendation of, and I quote, "just knuckle down, get on with it & then kick back, relax, play with a puppy once the doings have been done."

You were completely dismissive of these "Eggheads" being stressed, as if it was an inconceivable notion.

Stress is a serious problem these days, it's not a sudden thing that will go away just as suddenly.

& this idea as a solution is seriously ridiculous.

I don't think it is a solution or being offered as one. I think it's being put in place to help. And I don't see what's so ridiculous with that, if it works.

If me or mine are ever genuinely stressed, I'll make an appointment to see a doctor.

If your or yours are ever genuinely stressed, you can make an appointment to see a puppy.

Is that a ridiculous suggestion?

Absolutely.

Way to take everything out of context.

Read back. Everyone's in support of a measure that is being taken that can help people. Nobody is saying it's a cure.

Why someone would be so against something that has been proven to help is beyond me.

Edited December 3, 2012 by Plan B